MISSION OF A LIFETIME - Trans-Provence Mid-Race Report

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A year ago this was a black-fly-infested, heat-stroke-inducing climb. This year Mother Nature threw us a curveball. Day 1 of TP setting a fairly epic tone. -Duncan Philpott
There were a good few hundred meters of vertical on stage 1 where the snow had settled. -Duncan Philpott
Francois Baily-Maitre finding out that snow-melt-sodden ground can be a bit slick on day 1, stage 1. -Duncan Philpott
The final stage of the first day was a local DH trail with lots of fun features. Sam Sharp fiding one of the many kickers. -Duncan Philpott
From loamy kickers and turns to exposed ridgeline. Day 1 certainly delivered. -Duncan Philpott
Day two early morning liaison up to Col d' Allos. A much greener start than day one where we came from yesterday in the directions of the mountains behind. Anka Martin in audio. -Sven Martin
Francios Bailly-Maitre on stage five, day two. -Sven Martin
Nico Lau ready for battle in the full face and goggles, looking somewhat out of place in the green serene calm woods. Sitting in the lead, wining two of the three days. -Sven Martin
Greg Callaghan probably has no idea of the exposure to his right. Half the problem with racing such scenic trails you miss out a lot of the sights and sounds.
The dawn of day 3 and the mountain staff head off for yet another day. -Duncan Philpott
The Mountain staff yesterday on the longest day of the year and still beating Sunrise establishing timing and checking course markings. Thanks guys! -Sven Martin
Morning sun jib session on Col des Champs never gets old. Sven Martin on the other side of the lens. -Duncan Philpott
3 hour liaison before today's biggest stage. It was well worth it for both the nature and the stage that followed. -Sven Martin
The never-ending liaison to stage two on day three. Matt Delorme in audio. -Sven Martin
Caro Gehrig with a day win sitting in second overall in the women. -Sven Martin
Anita Gehrig took the win on day three and sits in third overall just behind her sister. -Sven Martin
Ines Thoma has had a tough three days. She still holds the lead with one day win but has had lots of crashes. -Sven Martin
Kate Winton on the last stage after a massive day three. Fifty km in the saddle with almost 2000m of climbing. -Sven Martin
Must-have accessory for any serious cyclist. Oh the pain. -Sven Martin
Jamie Nicoll sliced and stitched today. Ironically on the same corner he slid out on last year and sliced himself. -Sven Martin
James Stock and Rowan Sorrell had quite the adventure today. Even the sweepers passed them. -Sven Martin
Liaison to the first stage up top of Col de Champs. -Sven Martin
The hike a bike up near Parc de Mercantour. -Sven Martin
Legendary French downhiller Francois Dola sits in in second in the Masters 40. Railing day two stage three. One of the longest trails of the week. -Sven Martin
During the week. Jeff Callam is controlling the Red Bull Racing F1 team cars. On his weeks off, he's doing some of his own racing. -Sven Martin
Camp Vibes.
The racing is only half the reason people choose to do Trans Provence. -Sven Martin
Iago Garay liaison shenanigans. #doyouevenfootplantbro -Sven Martin
Katrina Strand flying through one of the crazy canyons in the grey earth stage. A stage like no other on this planet. -Sven Martin
Yoann Barelli ripping apart his first-ever TP. -Duncan Philpott
Marco Osbourne took a couple of stage wins today, steadily creeping up on the leader board. Finding the consistency he hasn't always been able to master in the past. -Sven Martin
Ben Cruz cruising full gas and keeping the spirits up. Always a smile, laugh, story and Joke from Ben. -Sven Martin
Matti Lehikoinen back for more after earning the #4 plate from last year's efforts. -Duncan Philpott
With all the rain lately there's plenty of green out there to feast your eyes on. -Duncan Philpott
The first stage of day 2 was a regular from Val d'Allos. Riders would find themselves hauling between the classical bendy trees. -Duncan Philpott
Stream crossings a-plenty when you're in the wilderness. -Duncan Philpott
Magic Rock Brewery springing a bit of a surprise on weary athletes with their 7% beer after a day's racing. -Duncan Philpott
The logistics involved in multi-day races span from moving all the luggage to...
...prepping snacks and 4 meals a day for the athletes. -Duncan Philpott
From the time the first rider arrives in camp, the Mavic team have their hands full keeping everything in top nick for the racers. -Duncan Philpott
Killer lunch spots included. -Duncan Philpott
The climb up to stage 10 varied from open expanses to loamy woodland. -Duncan Philpott
There's always a split vote as to whether to push or carry. -Duncan Philpott
The Mercantour National Park is truly stunning. -Duncan Philpott
Proper mountain biking. Stay tuned for the conclusion of Trans-Provence...if we make it! -Duncan Philpott
Intro Graphic
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Description

All the conditions mother nature can provide were experienced as the 2016 Trans-Provence kicks off in epic fashion. Sven Martin and Duncan Philpott clock the miles and click the shutters so we can feel the beauty, the suffering and the reward in France. Three days down, three to go.

All Things Trans-Provence

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